Director of ICE John Morton: Tortured And Threatened For Being Gay: Release Hugo From Detention!

Hugo has been detained at Monroe County Jail in Michigan for the past 13 months, despite being a low-priority case. He could be deported at any moment!

Hugo fled Mexico after being tortured for being gay. Two men burned Hugo's genitals, leaving them permanently scarred after they found out he was gay. His own father even threatened to kill him!

Hugo is a low-priority case and should be released immediately so he can be reunited with his partner. Hugo is terrified of being sent back. Help us get him out!

Make a Phone Call

1. Call ICE – John Morton (202.732.3000)

Sample Script: "I am calling to urge ICE to release Hugo Gallardo Petatan (A#200-299-394) from Monroe County Jail in Michigan. Hugo was tortured and threatened in Mexico for being gay. He has been living in the U.S. for 6 years and is terrified of going back. Hugo is a low-priority case and should be released immediately."

To Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, John Morton; and Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano:

I am writing to call for the immediate release of Hugo Gallardo Petatan (A#200-299-394) from Monroe County Jail in Michigan and urge ICE to immediately stop his deportation. Hugo has been detained at Monroe County Jail since October 8, 2011. He is scheduled to be deported within days, despite being a low-priority case under the Morton Memo.

Hugo came to the United States, from Mexico, to escape persecution for his sexual orientation. When Hugo was only 13 years old, he was tortured by two men because he was not interested in girls. The two men burned Hugo’s genitals, leaving them permanently scarred. Hugo’s father even told him that if he knew that one of his sons was gay, he would kill him. Now 24 years old, Hugo is terrified of being sent back to a country where he was tortured and threatened.

During the long months of incarceration, Hugo’s partner has visited him often and has asked Hugo to marry him. The other inmates began to notice the frequent visits and threatened to beat Hugo up for being gay. As a result, Hugo was transferred to be housed in the criminal section. He still fears for his safety while in jail and this has affected his morale.

According to the memo issued by John Morton, Hugo is a low-priority case and should be granted favorable exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Hugo has been detained for the past 10 months even though he has never had any trouble with the law before this. Hugo has been threatened and tortured in Mexico and fears going back. His only wish is to remain safely in the United States with his partner.

I urge you to immediately release Hugo Gallardo Petatan (A#200-299-394) from Monroe County Jail in Michigan and stop his deportation.